Personality

	Individual and Social Behaviour
	Sec. M1, MWF 2:00

Personality: Overheads

Personality

What is personality?
Function of personality
Developmental of personality

What is personality?

Definition: Enduring individual differences in patterns of behaviour, cognition, affect.

Three types of theories:

Mental processes
Traits
Adaptation

Adaptation: What is the function of personality?

Ultimate explanations:

Evolutionary survival value Proximate explanations: Individual development Ultimate explanations

Personality as adaptation to life conditions

Pumpkinseed fish

Shoreline habitat

Open water habitat

Bred together,
Raised in different habitats

Genetic influences on behaviour

Environmental influences on behaviour

Ultimate/Proximate explanations

Personality as alternative problem-solving strategies

Personality and avoidance learning in guppies

Personality test example:

Record and classify guppy behaviour

Guppy personality dimensions

Approach (Hi - Lo)

Exploration
Sociability

Fear Avoidance (Hi - Lo)

Behavioural inhibition
Active escape

Personality and avoidance learning

Learning as a function of personality

Exploration-Hi Exploration-Lo

Fearful slow learning very slow learning

Bold slow learning quick learning

Proximate explanations

Roots of personality laid down early in life:

Longitudinal study of children born 1972/73 in NZ

Age 21 - risky behaviours identified (<25% of cohort)

alcohol abuse
dangerous driving
unsafe sex
violent crime

Risky behavior at age 21 related to personality at age 18 lo Harm Avoidance
lo Traditionalism
lo Control
lo Social Closeness
hi Aggression

hi Negative Emotionality
lo Constraint

These risk-takers with these personality traits were Undercontrolled at age 3

Confident at age 3

Conclusion: Temperament--->Personality---> Behaviour